Flash lamp



Oct. 8, 1935. F. R; MEGINNlss 2,016,819

FLASH LAMP I Filed Feb. '7, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fmg@ IN1/wrok EMA/57.5' 2,NGJNNI55 v/ W #Trek/vers Oct. 8, 1935. F'. R. MEGINNlss FLASH LAMP Filed Feb. 7, 1.935v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arrok'fvsys Patented Oct. -8, 1935 FLASH LAW Francis R. Meginniss, Albany, N. Y., assignor to Inertia Devices, Inc., Albany, N; Y., a corporation of New York Application February 7, 1933, Serial No. 655,586 16 claims. (01240-1056) My invention more particularly relates to a flash lamp comprising means for positioning the lamp with respectl to the reflector and for automatically controlling the circuit in which the lamp is included by a switch which is entirely enclosed within the casing and preferably operated by the inertia of a weight or mass.

One of the objects of my invention is the pro- Vision of a focusing member which is located wholly within the casing whereby the lamp may be positioned along the axis of the reflector. Another object resides in the provision of an automatic switch comprising in part a mass or weight adapted to operate said switch which is included l5 in the lamp circuit of the llash lamp and which is operable in combination with a focusing mechanism of the foregoing character'. Another object is a combined switch, reflector and socket assembly, the switch being actuated by the inertia of a Weight or mass and combined with the associatedelements in such a way as toform a compact unit. A further object is thel provision of a disabling mechanism or lock for opening the circuit in which the lamp, switch and battery are included and thereby preventing a jar or shock A from inadvertently closing the circuit of the flash lamp which might result in the battery being run down. A further object of my invention is the provision of a sealed casing in which the parts of the flash lamp are enclosed. A still further object is a flash lamp in which the gasket or gaskets, are visible thereby making. it possible to inspect the same while assembled.

. My invention will best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which I have illustrated certain embodiments thereof and in which- Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through the casing of a flash lamp embodying some features of 10 my invention and illustrating the internal parts of the lamp in side elevation;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a focusing ring or member embodying my invention;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken along the line l5 3--3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 3 illustrating a modified form of focusing ring;

Fig. 6 is a view generally similar to Fig'. 1 illustrating a modified form of switch unit combined with a focusing mechanism and a modied form of lock for the circuit of the flash lamp;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the combined switch and focusing unit of Fig. 6;

face of the outer portion of the lens I'I.

Fig. 8 is a sectional plan View taken along the line 8 8 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a modified form of lock for the circuit of the ilash lamp, the lock being mounted on the cap 5 of the ilash lamp;

Figs. 10, 1l, 12 and 13 are perspective views of parts of the lock of Fig. 9; and

Fig. 14 is an elevation view of a modified form of lock similar to that illustrated in Fig. 9 the l0 focusing member and lock forming a unitary structure.

Like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings and first to Figs. 15 1 to 5, In indicates generally the casing of a flash lamp embodying my invention and in the form shown comprises a substantially cylindrical portion I I which is screw-threaded at its opposite ends, as shown at I3 and I3 I, and provided at the 20 termination of each threaded portion with outwardly extending circumferential ribs I2 and I2I, respectively, which may be upset from the metal. An outwardly flared member 4 is provided with a screw threaded portion I4I engaging the screw 25 threads I3I and is also provided with athreaded portion |42 and an inwardly extending flange I5.

A gasket |43 is interposed between the edge of member I4 'and the rib |2I to form a sealed joint.

A ring I6 is provided with threads I6| engaging 30 the screw threads |42 of the member I4. A lens or other transparent member I is retained by the ring I6 (see Fig. 1) in the reflector end of the flash light when the parts thereof are assembled together. A gasket I8 of yielding material, pref- 35 erably composed of canvas and rubber, is disposed within the ring I6 and against the lower When the respective parts are assembled on the reflector end of the flash light to form a gas tight and 40 sealed. end, the upper periphery I9 of the reflector 20 will lie substantially in the plane of the upper surface of the flange I 5 of the casing and the gasket I8 Willbe tightly pressed between the lens I1 and the rim 19 and aange 15, the ring 1s be1ng-45 screwed down upon the casing I4.

The inner end of the reflector 20 is closed in the usual manner by a unit indicated generally at 2| and comprising a cap 22 enclosing the lower portion of the reflector 20 and provided with a 50' sleeve 23. 'I'he lamp socket is provided with a base portion 24 telescopically slidable through the sleeve 23 and normally forced axially from within the sleeve 23 by a helical spring (illustrated in dotted lines), the axial movement of the socket 55 and base 24 being limited by a. flange on the upper periphery of the lamp socket which engages the interior of the reflector around an opening therein through which the lamp socket extends.

'I'he rear end of the flash lamp is closed by a cap 26 provided with screw threads 26| which are engageable with the threads I3 on the cylindrical portion of the casing. A gasket 21 isinlterposed between the shoulder formed on the rib I2 and the forward edge 262 of the 'cap 26 to form a fluid tight joint.

A focusing ring 28 (Fig. 3) is provided with screw threads 28| engaging the threads I3 of the casing so that a rotary movement of the ring produces a longitudinal movement thereofA axially of the casing which is utilized for adjusting the position of the lamp along the axis of the reector. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the focusing ring comprises an insulating ring 29 covered throughout its major portion by a metallic plate 30 which is threaded at 28|. 'I'he inner surface of the ring is preferably provided with inwardly extending lugs 282 by which the ring may conveniently be manipulated with the fingers.

Interposed between the focusing ring andthe unit 2| is a switch unit 3| approximating in diameter the interior of the cylindrical portion of the casing and which may be of the same characteras the switch covered by my Patent No. 1,948,728, February 27, 1934 to which reference may be made for details. A battery preferably comprising one or more dry cells 32 arranged end to end with the switch unit 3| are also positioned between-the lamp and the focusingring. 'I'he circuit of the flash lamp is completed by the usual coil spring 33 mounted in the cap andthe forward end of which engages, when the cap is screwed home, the lower end of the lower cell 32.

'Ihe focusing ring 28 affords a 'convenient means by which the lamp may be adjusted axially of the reflector. 'Ihe parts at the forward end of the flash lamp are assembled and the switch unit 3| and the dry cell or dry cells 32 `are then placed in position with the terminal 3|| of-the switch unit engaging the rear end of the lamp socket 24. By rotating the ring and thus moving the same forwardly, the battery and the switch are also moved forwardly thereby moving the. lamp socket 24 and the lamp 25 axially of the reflector until the light source is correctly positioned. 'I'he rear end of the casing is then closed by screwing the cap 26 home against the gasket 21. By entirely enclosing the focusing ring within the casing, the proper adjustment of the lamp with reference to the reflector may be made at the place of manufacture and such adjustment is not changed by accident.

By grasping the casing of the flash lamp and imparting a rather rapid movement thereto and then suddenly retarding or altogether stopping the movement, the inertia of the Weight which forms a part. of the switch opens or closes the switch vin the manner described in my said copending application, a plurality of such operations alternately opening and closing the switch. The bead I2 at the rear end of the casing has the additional useful function of preventing the casing from slipping from the hand during the movement necessary for operating the switch.

My invention, therefore, provides an imperforate casing which is absolutely fluid tight and in which are enclosed the focusing mechanism .and the switch for the circuit of the flash lamp.

Moreover no wiring or connectors whatever ar required in the casing.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, I have illustrated-a modied form of switch which is combined with the reflector and socket assembly to form a unit, and also a modilied form of lock for the circuit of the flash lamp. A cup-shaped insulating member 34I secured to the lower end of the lamp socket 24 by a screw 35 encloses the lower portion of the sleeve 23 and the lower portion of the lamp socket 24, the insulating member being surrounded by aA metal 10 sleeve 36 which isvsecured to the insulating cup 34. The sleeve 36 is provided with two downwardly extending legs 31 which form guides for the weight 38 associated with the switch as best shown in Fig. 8. The weightis annular in form,v l5 as illustrated, and the inner wall thereof is provided with grooves 39 in which the legs 31 are received. The inner wall of the remaining portion of the weight 38 preferably extends inwardly to a point substantially flush with the inner 20 edges of the legs 31, as indicated at 40, and which engage the cylindrical walls of the sleeve 36 when the weight is moving forwardly thereby constituting a stop for the movement of the weight.

An outwardly extending ange 4| is secured to 25 the forward end of the sleeve 36 and .helical springs 42 are interposed between the flange 4| and the weight 38, the springs preferably being received in openings 43 in the weight.

A rotatable switch member 44 of insulating ma- 30 terial is mounted on a shaft 45 of conducting material having its bearings in openings 46 of the legs 31. The member 44 is provided with an even number of ratchet teeth 41 which are engaged and actuated by a movable pawl 48 secured 35 to the weight 38, the switch member being retained in the position to which it is moved by a fixed pawl 49. Alternate ratchet teeth of the switch member are provided at one end with conducting members 50 which complete the circuit 40 from the lamp socket through the shaft of the switch to a closing cap 5| of conducting material which is suitably secured to the ends of the legs 31 and which contacts with the terminal 52 of the battery 32. 45

In the modified form of lock for the circuit illustrated in Fig. 6, the cap 26a is provided with a forwardly extending re-entrant portion 53 and an inner and outwardly extending portion 54 provided with a threaded portion 55 inl which is re- 50 ceived a stem 5,6 having a quick thread. A handle 51 is provided on the outer end of the stem and the inner end thereof is provided with a disc 58 which is adapted to engage, when the stem is moved forwardly, the lower end of the cell 32. 55 'I'he cap is made fluid tight by the provision of suitable packing material 53 surrounding the stem 56 and retained in position by a packing gland 60.

A focusing ring 28, in all respects similar to 60 that described in connection with Figs. l, 2, 3 and 4, is employed in the device shown in Fig. 6

AIt will be obvious that when the casing of the flash lamp of Fig. 6 is grasped by an operator and given a rapid swinging movement, the weight G5 38 will be moved forwardly by centrifugal force against the action of the springs 42 and the pawl 48 mounted on the weight will turn -the rotatable switch member 44 through one tooth, thus making or breaking the circuit through the flash lamp, as the case may be, depending of course upon whether the circuit was open or closed before the movement. Obviously, the switch may also be actuated through the inertia of the weight 38 by abruptly stopping or start- 75` ing mechanism in the manner illustrated in Fig.

6, a very compact arrangement is provided which, in the embodiment illustrated, utilizes two dry cells all included in a casing that is no longer 'than an ordinary two cell flash lamp.,

In Fig. I have illustrated an all metal focusing ring 28a which directly engages the inner metallic end of the dry cell. It will, of course, be understood that the focusing ring of Fig. 5 'closes the circuit of the fiash lamp directly from the casing to the lower end of the dry cell and with this arrangement no lock for the circuit of the flash lamp which is associated with the cap is possible. The circuit for the lamp is completed from the terminal 52 of the switch through the battery, and lock on the cap to the casing and to lthe other terminal of the lamp. A circuit is thus provided for the lamp without the use of any conducting wires or conducting strips.

It will, of course, be understood that` the cap of Fig. 1 may be used with the flash lamp of Fig. 6 and vice versa.

The modied form of lock illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 comprises a disabling mechanism the same as or similar to that illustrated in my application Ser. No. 497,411 which was filed on or about November 22, 1930. The disabling mechanism comprises a metal ball 6l which, in the position illustrated in Fig. 9, engages and electrically connects. two curved metal contacts 62 and 63. When moved forwardly the ball is retained by an electrically inactive curved strip 64 preferably formed of metal and secured to an insulating disc 65. The metal clip 62 isA mounted on a disc 66 of insulating material and the metal clip 63 is similarly mounted on a disc 61 also formed of insulating material, the discs 66 and 61 being mounted on the spaced posts 69 and 1li and separated by an insulating disc 61a..

, An insulating member 68 is preferably interposed between the disc 66 and the metal cap, the discs 61, 61a, 66 and 68 providing a securely insulated base and mounting for the electrically active contact members 62 and 63.

With the ball in the position illustrated in Fig. 9 and assuming that the circuit is closed from the upper terminal of the battery 32, through the lamp and back through the casing to the cap 26h,- current will flow from the lower terminal or base of the battery 32, through the metal clip 1l and through the posts 69 to which the clip 1l is attached. It will be noted that whereas the posts 10 pass through and contact with a metallic ring 13, the posts 69 pass through an opening 13a in the ring 13 and are therefore insulated therefrom. 'Ihe postsv 69 also pass through and contact with the base of the clip 63 and through the insulating discs 61 and 66, the clip 62 being spaced from the posts 69 and connecting with the posts 10 which pass through openings in the base portion of said clip. Current, therefore, will flow from the posts 69, to the clip 63 through ball 6l, to clip 62 and thence through the posts 1li to the metallic ring 13, and to the cap 26h, thereby closing the lamp circuit, assuming that the circuit through the main switch is closed. When the ball is r-etained between the curved fingers of strip 64 the electric circuit of the flash lamp is open.

Assuming that the ball is in the position illustrated in Fig. 9, it is moved forwardly into the position within the curved strip 64 by moving the flash lamp quickly forward and abruptly stopping the movement thereof, as by striking the forward end of the flash lamp against the hand. The clips 62 and 63 are so adjusted that to move the ball in this manner a more violent move-5 ment must be imparted to the flash'lamp than is necessary to actuate the switch. On the other hand in order to move the ball from the position in the metal clip 64 to that illustrated in Fig. 9, the flash lamp is moved quickly in the 10 opposite direction from the movement that is necessary to actuate the switch, and it is abruptly stopped to force the ball into the position shown in Fig. 9. Obviously the device illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12 may be used in connection with 15 the flash lamp illustrated in Fig. 6.

I have illustrated in Fig. 14 a lock generally similar to that illustrated in Fig. 9 but in this instance the members comprising the lock are mounted directly on a focusing ring composed of insulating material. The operation of this lock is similar to that illustrated in Fig. 9, one of the lower clips thereof being connected to an upper contact spring 1Ia, adapted to engage the base of a dry cell, the other lower clip being connected to a lower contact spring 1lb which is adapted to contact with the cap closing the lower end of the flash light.

While in the embodiments of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6, I have shown the cas- 30 ing comprising a flared end portion separate from the cylindrical portion, these parts obviously may be made integral. n

It is evident from the foregoing description of my invention that the flash lamp embodying my invention provides a vapor-proof unit within which are containedthe operating mechanisms erate in conjunction with a focusing ring as illustrated in Fig. 6or, separate focusing and switch mechanisms may be used as in Fig. l. The focusing ring may comprise an insulating member or may be composed entirely of electrical conducting material, in which case it may also be used as a connector between the base of the battery and the flash lamp casing. Either formof ring may be used in any modification of my flash lamp except in those instances where a lock is used in conjunction with the switch element and with this combination an insulating, focusing ring is obviously necessary. Inasmuch as there are no connectors or wires extending from within the flash lamp casing to the exterior thereof, I have provided a switch and lock both operable bythe kinetic energy imparted by a movable mass. Furthermore, said switch and lock are so designed that the movement of their respective masses in one direction will open the electric circuit through each and a movement of said masses in the opposite direction will effect a closure of the circuit through the lock only. In this manner the flash lamp assemblage is rendered substantially fool-proof, that is to say, the circuit to the incandescent bulb will be completed only when desired by the user of the flash lamp. Obviously, the forms of locks, focusing rings and switch elements which I have illustrated and described in their preferred embodiments may be combined in other ways to form still further/10 modifications of my flash lamp. In some instances, the substitution of one element for another will eliminate the necessity of using a second element and by using the combination of two or more of the elements used in my invention wherein said elements forma unitary structure I provide a. still greater number of possibilities of rearrangements and substitutions.

While I have described my invention in its preferred embodiment it is to be understood that the words which I have used are words of description rather than of limitation and that changes within the purview of the appended claims may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of my invention in its broader aspects.

What I claim is:

1. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable along the axis thereof, a casing for enclosing the parts of said flash lamp, a focusing member enclosed in said casing and movable along the axis thereof, means whereby said member may bemoved-along the axis of `said casing, a battery and a switch interposed between said lamp and said member, said switch comprising a member operable by inertia, and means associated therewith for actuating said switch, said switch member engaging said lamp and said battery engaging said focusing member whereby movement of said focusing member longitudinally of said casing moves vsaid lamp axially of said reflector.

2. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable along the axis thereof, an electric circuit in which said lamp is included, a casing for enclosing the parts of the flashlamp including said reflector and said lamp, said casing being provided with a threadedlportion, a focusing ring normally located on the interior of said casing and provided with screw threads engaging the threaded portion of said casing, a battery and a switch unit arranged end to end interposed between said lamp and said ring, said switch unit comprising a Weight and associated means whereby the switch may be actuated by the inertia of said weight, whereby the position of said lamp with respect to said reflector and the electric circuit in which said lamp is included may be controlled by means located entirely within said casing.

3. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable axially thereof, a casing enclosing the parts of said flash lamp including said reflector and said lamp, a focusing member enclosed within said casing and movable axially thereof, a switch unit and a battery arranged end to end within said casing and interposed between said lamp and said member and engageable with the lamp and the member, respectively, means whereby said member may be moved axially of said casing, and means whereby said casing may be made fluid tight.

4. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable axially thereof, a battery and a switch unit, enclosed within said casing,'an electric circuit including said lamp, said battery and said switch unit, said switch unit comprising a weight and associated means whereby said switch may be actuated by the inertia of said weight, a focusing memberv engageable with said battery and movable axially of the casing, means whereby said focusing member may be moved axially of the casing and thereby move said lamp axially of said reflector, whereby the position of said lamp relative to the reflector and the circuit including the 1same may be controlled by means enclosed entirely within said casing.

5. The combination set forth in claim 4 in which the casing is provided with a readily removable cap for affording access to said focusing member. l

6. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable axially thereof, a battery and a switch unit enclosed within said casing, an electric circuit including said lamp, said battery and said switch unit, said switch unit comprising a weight and associated means whereby said switch may be actuated by the inertia of said weight, a focusing member engageable with said battery and movable axially of the casing, means whereby said focusing member may be moved axially of the casing and thereby move said lamp axially of said reflector, whereby the position of said lamp with respect to said reflector and the circuit thereof may be controlled by means enclosed entirely Awithin said casing, said casing being provided with a readily removable cap affording access to said focusing member, and means whereby said casing may be made fluid tight.

7. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable along the axis thereof, an electric circuit in which said lamp is included, a casing for enclosing the parts of the'ilash lamp including said reflector 2 and said lamp, said casing being provided with a threaded portion a focusing ring normally located on the interior of said casing and provided with screw threads engaging the threaded portion of said casing, a battery and a switch 2 unit 'arranged end to end interposed between said lamp and said ring, said switch unit comprising a weight, associated means whereby the switch may be actuated by the inertia of said weight, whereby the position of said lamp with 3 respect to said reflector and the electric circuit in which said lamp is included may be controlled by means located entirely within said casing, and means located within said casing and independent of said switch for disabling said circuit.

8. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movable along the axis thereof, an electric circuit in which said lamp is included, a casing for enclosing the parts of the flash lamp including said reflector and said lamp, said casing being provided with 4 a threaded portion, a focusing ring normally located on theinterlor of said casing and provided with screw threads engaging the threaded portion of said casing, a battery and a switch unit ar- 4 ranged end to end interposed between said lamp and said ring, said switch unit comprising a weight, associated means whereby the switch may be actuated by the inertia of said weight, whereby the position' of said lamp with respect to said reflector and the electric circuit in which said lamp is included may be controlled by means located entirely within said casing, and a lock mounted on said cap and within said casing for disabling said circuit. 5 9. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a lamp movablel along the axis thereof, an electric circuit in which said lamp is included, a casing for enclosing the parts of the flash lamp including said reflector and said lamp, said casing being provided with 6 a threaded portion, a focusing ring normally lo- .cated on the interior of said casing and provided with screw threads engaging the threaded portion of said casing, a battery and a switch unit arranged end to end interposed between said lamp 6 and said ring, said switch unit comprising a weight, associated means whereby the switch may be actuated by the inertia of said weight, whereby the position of said lamp with respect to said reflector and the electric circuit in which said lamp is included may be controlled by means located entirely within said casing, and inertia operated means located within said casing and independent of said switch for disabling said circuit. f 7

focusing member for effecting a movement of 10. In a iiash lamp, a reector, a lamp movable axially thereof, a battery and a switch unit enclosed within said casing, anl electric circuit including said lamp, said battery and said switch unit, said switch unit comprising a' weight and.

11. In a flash lamp, a reiiecto'r, a lamp socket mounted within and movable axially of said reector, a lamp mounted within said socket, and a combined switching and focusing unit attached to said socket comprising a switch and associated weight, means responsive to the movement of said wemht for actuating said switch, and means whereby said unit and said lamp socket may be moved axially of said reector. V 12. In a. ash lamp; a reflector, a lamp socket mounted within and. movable axially of said reflector, a lamp mounted within 4Asaid socket, and a combined switching and focusing unit attached to said socket comprising a switch and associated weight surrounding said lamp socket, means responsive to the movement of said weight for actuating said switch, and means whereby said unit and said lamp socket may 'be moved axially of said reflector.

' 13. In a flash lamp, a reflector, a sleeve extending inwardly therefrom, a lamp socket -mounted within said sleeve andmovable longitudinally thereof, a combined switching and focusing unit comprisinga weight surrounding said sleeve, a switch, and associated means for actuating said switch in response toa movement of said Weight, said unit comprising a member connected to and movable with said lamp socket,

a casing for enclosing the parts of said flash lamp, a focusing member enclosed within said casing and axially movable thereof, means whereby said member may be moved axially of said casing, and means responsive to an axial movement of said said unit and the lamp socket engageable therewith axially of said reflector.y

14. The combination with a switch mechanism having an element movable in the same direc- 5 tion for making or breaking an electric circuit, an annular weight provided with an opening in which said mechanism is located and of suilcient mass to effect an actuating movement thereof either to open or close the circuit by kinetic energy imparted to said weight by a bodily movement of the switch in the same direction.

15. In a flash lamp comprising a battery, an incandescent bulb, a reflector unit having a movable lamp socket associated therewith for said bulb, a casing for said battery and reflector unit, means included in said casing and movable axially thereof for positioning said lamp socket axially of said reflector, means includedV in the electrical circuit from said battery to said bulb 2o and comprising a switch operable by the kinetic energy imparted by. a movable mass for controlling the ow of current to said bulb, and a second means included in said circuitV comprising a switch operable by a second mass for controlling the ow of current to said bulb; said first `and second masses being movable in' the same direction to cause an interruption of current flow and said second mass movable in an opposite direction to complete thel circuit through the means operated thereby.

16. In a flash lamp, a reector, a lamp movable along the axis thereof, an electric circuit in which said lamp is included, a casing for enclosing the parts of the flash lamp including said reflector and said lamp, said'casing being provided with a threaded portion, a focusing ring normally locatedy on the interior of said casing and provided with screw threads engaging the threaded portion of said casing, a battery and a switchA unit 40' FRANCIS n. lsmGmNIss. 5o 

